During a two-week trip to Germany, Romania, and Ghana, three officers from the North Dakota National Guard discussed current and future projects to strengthen the partnership between North Dakota and Ghana.

Since 2004, the North Dakota National Guard has developed a professional relationship with Ghana as part of the Department of Defense's State Partnership Program. This program aligns states with partner countries encouraging the development of economic, political and military ties.

Highlights of their travels included a meeting with General William "Kip" Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Germany, a visit with North Dakota Air National Guard construction engineers working in Romania, and several meetings and activities in Ghana.

"This trip was exceptionally successful. It allowed me to represent the North Dakota National Guard while discussing projects that mutually benefit both entities with the Ghanaian Chief of Military Defense for both the Army and Air," Major General David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard, said. "We further developed the liaison relationships with the North Dakota National Guard and Ghana to strengthen our partnership with Ghana."

During their meeting with Ward, the officers discussed North Dakota's partnership with Ghana, noting its accomplishments and future objectives. The group also stopped in Romania, where 43 Airmen from North Dakota's 119th Civil Engineer Squadron were building renovations, roof replacements on Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near the Black Sea city of Constanta.

Once in Ghana, North Dakota's delegation met with members of the Ghana Armed Forces and U.S. Embassy staff and observed medical humanitarian assistance exercises.

"During Shared Accord, I was able to reinforce the positive aspects of democratization and the importance of civilian control of the military," Sprynczynatyk said. "It was among the highlights of this trip, watching U.S. service members learn from the Ghanaians, who in turn gained knowledge of methods for enhancing their response during peace-keeping operations."

As the end of the 2008 fiscal year approaches, planning continues for next year's partnership activities with Ghana.